scholarships
Disclaimer: Scholarship applications are accepted only through local chapters of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Please visit our Chapters page to find the chapter nearest you and submit your application.
Fredda Witherspoon National Scholastic Scholarship
This annual scholarship supports female graduating high school seniors pursuing a college degree in a business-related field and reinforces our commitment to academic excellence and leadership.
Scholarship Highlights:
• One applicant per chapter
• Female graduating high school senior
• Business-related major
• Four $5,000 regional scholarships & one $10,000 national scholarship
Application deadline: January 31st to the National President-Elect
Southern Regional Scholastic Scholarship
This annual scholarship recognizes female high school seniors who are graduating and pursuing a college degree in a business-related field, supporting their academic and professional aspirations.
Scholarship Highlights:
• One applicant per chapter
• Female graduating high school senior
• Business-related career interest
• One $500 regional scholarship awarded annually
Application deadline: February 22nd to the Southern Regional Scholarship Chairperson.
“Empowering Excellence” HBCU Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to support and uplift promising students who are pursuing their education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Scholarship Highlights:
• One applicant per chapter
• Award: $2,000 (one recipient per region, five awarded annually)
• Eligibility: Full-time HBCU students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or 2.0 on a 3.0 scale)
• Requirements: At least 16 completed credit hours
Application Deadline: February 14th to the National President-Elect
Future Iota Leaders (FIL) Tiered Scholarship
This one-time $7,000 tiered scholarship awards three deserving students and reinforces our commitment to developing future business and professional leaders.
Scholarship Highlights:
• Tiered Awards:
1st $3,500
2nd $2,000
3rd $1,500
• Eligibility: Male or female high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Focus: Students pursuing a business-related major
• Submission: Chapters may submit multiple applicants
• Awards: Funds sent directly to the recipient’s accredited college/university
Deadline: February 28th to the National President-Elect
Dorethea N. Hornbuckle Memorial Scholarship (DNHMS)
Established in 2005, this scholarship honors the legacy of Soror Dorethea N. Hornbuckle, the 16th National President of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., whose leadership, service, and dedication to education continue to inspire the next generation of scholars and professionals.
This one-time scholarship provides up to $2,000 to assist deserving students in pursuing degrees in business, business administration, science, or engineering at an accredited four-year institution.
Scholarship Highlights:
• Award: One-time scholarship of up to $2,000
• Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who graduated highschool within the past 4 years
• GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Focus: Students pursuing Business, Business Administration, Science, or Engineering
• Requirement: Demonstrated community service involvement within the past 12 months
• Submission: One applicant per chapter
Deadline: March 15th to the National President-Elect
Alice P. Allen National Scholarship
Named in honor of Soror Alice P. Allen, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.’s second National President (1946–1950), this scholarship reflects our commitment to empowering women through education, leadership, and opportunity.
This one-time $2,000 scholarship assists a graduating high school senior who is a teenage mother as she begins her journey toward higher
education.
Scholarship Highlights:
• Award: $2,000 one-time scholarship
• Eligibility: Graduating high school senior who is a teenage mother
• Focus: Supporting young mothers pursuing education at an accredited college or university
• Selection Criteria: Academic performance, leadership, career aspirations, and financial need
• Submission: One applicant per chapter
• Award Distribution: Funds sent directly to the recipient’s selected college or university
Deadline: April 1st to the National President-Elect
grants and contests
Green Fern Micro Grant Award
This micro-grant is designed to support and empower African American women-owned small businesses by providing financial assistance to help sustain, strengthen, and grow their operations. Established through Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated’s historic commitment to economic empowerment, the grant continues the legacy of the Relief Fund first envisioned by Soror Lola M. Parker in 1937 and renewed in response to the challenges faced by business owners during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grant Highlights:
• Award: $2,000 micro-grant (one recipient per region, five awarded annually)
• Eligibility: African American women-owned businesses with fewer than fifteen (15) employees
• Business Requirement: Must have been in continuous operation for at least two (2) years prior to application
• Chapter Submission: One application may be submitted per chapter
Award Presentation: Recipients are recognized and awarded during Business Month in April
EVELYN D. WILKEY ESSAY CONTEST
This essay contest is designed to encourage middle and high school students to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills while exploring topics that address educational themes and issues relevant to today’s youth. Sponsored by Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, the contest provides students with an opportunity to showcase their ideas and compete for scholarship awards at the regional and national levels.
Contest Highlights:
• Awards:
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1st Place: $500
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2nd Place: $250
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3rd Place: $100
• Eligibility: Middle and high school students
• Chapter Sponsorship: Each chapter may sponsor one student in each category (middle school and high school)
• Theme: Based on the National American Education Week theme or a theme selected by the National Board addressing issues relevant to youth
Submission Process:
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Local chapter winners advance to regional competition
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Regional first-place winners advance to national judging
Application Deadline: Essay package must be submitted to the Southern Regional Scholarship Chairperson by November 30th
Iota Fellowship
Applications are due by December 15th of the year.
Sorors with a minimum of 3 years of membership can apply.
Award Amounts
Award Amount - $2000
Application Deadline: Application must be submitted to the National President-Elect by December 15th